ISO 9001:2026 is coming: why the new version is relevant to your organisation
Last updated:
May 18, 2026
For many years, ISO 9001 has been the gold standard for organisations address quality in a systematic way. Companies around the world use the standard to better organize their processes, meet customer expectations more consistently, and pursue continuous improvement. But just as organisations , so does ISO 9001.
That is why ISO is currently working on a new version of the standard. The revision of ISO 9001 is expected in 2026 and is organisations prompting organisations to start thinking about it. Which topics are gaining importance? Why is the standard being updated? And why is it important to actively follow the new version?
According to Joerdi Roels, an expert in quality management who is closely involved in standards development, the revision is not about a complete change of direction, but rather about updating the standard so that it remains relevant in a rapidly changing context.
A standard like ISO 9001 is never static. organisations constantly organisations in response to digitalization, international collaboration, rising customer expectations, and societal developments. The way companies approach quality is changing as well.
“A standard must remain relevant to today’s reality,” explains Joerdi Roels. “That is why standards are periodically reviewed and updated.”
The new version of ISO 9001 is intended to ensure that organisations can continue organisations operate organisations the coming years using a quality framework that addresses current challenges and expectations.
That does not mean that the fundamentals of ISO 9001 are disappearing. On the contrary. The focus on a process-based approach, customer focus, and continuous improvement remains intact. However, the context in which organisations apply organisations principles is certainly changing.
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Whereas quality used to revolve primarily around procedures and documentation, organisations expect more from a quality approach. Companies need to be able to respond more quickly, manage risks more effectively, and collaborate more efficiently across teams and departments.
At the same time, organisations are organisations :
That context also affects quality management.
“ISO 9001 is designed to organisations address the challenges of today and tomorrow,” says Joerdi Roels. “That’s why it makes sense for the standard to evolve along with them.”
The revision of ISO 9001 is therefore not merely an administrative update. It reflects how organisations operate organisations and the expectations of customers, partners, and markets.
Many organisations already organisations an older version of ISO 9001 in place. Nevertheless, it is important to stay up to date on new developments related to the standard.
Not because organisations have to do everything differently, but because the latest version provides insight into the most up-to-date approach to quality management.
Standards evolve based on international expertise and practical experience from various sectors. New versions therefore often include clarifications, more up-to-date insights, and updated priorities.
This is particularly valuable for organisations take a strategic approach to quality.
If you're using the latest version:
In addition, customers, partners, and auditors often expect organisations to actively monitor organisations to key standards.
According to Joerdi Roels, one of the strengths of ISO 9001 is precisely that the standard continues to adapt to new realities without straying from its core principles.
“The strength of ISO 9001 lies in the fact that the standard remains widely applicable,” he says. “But at the same time, it must also evolve sufficiently to keep pace with how organisations operate organisations .”
This also explains why ISO 9001 remains relevant worldwide for organisations a wide range of sectors. The standard does not provide a rigid model, but rather a framework that organisations operate in a structured and consistent manner.
The new version builds on that philosophy.
Although the publication of ISO 9001:2026 is still in the works, many organisations are organisations closely monitoring the standard’s evolution. Not only to understand future developments, but also to ensure they have timely access to the most up-to-date version as soon as it becomes available.
For organisations are already working with ISO 9001 today, the new edition is therefore more than just a routine update. It serves as a new benchmark for quality management in a modern business context.
